AV-TEST Product Review Report – Nov-Dec/2014
During November and December 2014 we continuously evaluated 28 home user security products using their default settings. We always used the most current publicly-available version of all products for the testing. They were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats. Products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.
Security Essentials
Version | 4.6 |
Platform | Windows 7 (SP1, 64 bit) |
Report | 144986 |
Date | Nov-Dec/2014 |
Protection
Protection against malware infections
(such as viruses, worms or Trojan horses)
More information
Industry average | November | December | |
Protection against 0-day malware attacks, inclusive of web and e-mail threats (Real-World Testing) 153 samples used | 94% | 49.0% | 60.0% |
Detection of widespread and prevalent malware discovered in the last 4 weeks (the AV-TEST reference set) 12,327 samples used | 99% | 82.0% | 72.0% |
Protection Score | 0.0/6.0 |
Performance
Average influence of the product on computer speed in daily usage
More information
Industry average | November | December | |
Use cases: visiting websites, downloading software, installing and running programs and copying data Number of test cases: 5 | 4% | 2s | |
Performance Score | 5.0/6.0 |
Usability
Impact of the security software on the usability of the whole computer
(lower values indicate better results)
More information
Industry average | November | December | |
False warnings or blockages when visiting websites 500 samples used | 0 | 0 | 0 |
False detections of legitimate software as malware during a system scan 425,612 samples used | 9 | 0 | 0 |
False warnings concerning certain actions carried out whilst installing and using legitimate software 38 samples used | 0 | 0 | |
False blockages of certain actions carried out whilst installing and using legitimate software 38 samples used | 0 | 0 | |
Usability Score | 6.0/6.0 |
Evaluation based on a point system
All products can achieve a maximum of 6 points each in the three categories of protection, performance and usability. This means 18 points are the best possible test result.
At 10 points or higher, a product is awarded the AV-TEST seal of approval.
At 17.5 points or higher, AV-TEST also issues the "TOP PRODUCT" award. Additional details ›
outstanding | satisfactory | insufficient | certificates |
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